Nigeria’s athletics prospects are on a promising trajectory, according to the 2nd Vice President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Aku Aghazu, who has applauded Team Nigeria’s impressive showing at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh.

 

The country’s track and field team secured a total of seven medals — an outstanding gold in the fiercely competitive women’s 4x100m relay, alongside three silver and three bronze medals.

 

Aghazu said the performances in Riyadh underscore the rapid growth of young, homegrown talents, describing the results as proof that the future of Nigerian athletics is brighter than ever.

 

“I am so proud of our athletes here in Riyadh and what I find particularly pleasing is the fact that the bulk of these athletes are our youth athletes, not the most experienced ones,” she said.

 

She highlighted the courage and competitive spirit displayed by the young sprinters, singling out the women’s 4x100m quartet for special commendation.

Aghazu also praised veteran sprinter Patience Okon George, who clinched an impressive silver medal in the women’s 400m with a stunning late surge.

 

“The bravery with which they stepped up to the start line and attacked each event is amazing. I was blown away by the showing of the 4x100m girls,” Aghazu added.

 

On the men’s side, she noted that the 4x100m relay team fought with “great zeal and patriotism” to secure the bronze medal in a highly competitive field.

 

Aghazu credited the recent successes to the revamped AFN leadership under President Tonobok Okowa and its productive collaboration with the National Sports Commission (NSC). She revealed that strategic plans are already being implemented to elevate Nigeria’s athletics program, and the results in Riyadh are early signs of what is to come.

 

“I must commend the innovative ideas of the NSC chaired by Mallam Shehu Dikko and the Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, that are bringing about the sweeping changes and success we’re witnessing in sports today.”

 

She noted that several medal-winning athletes were discovered through the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) initiative introduced by the NSC at the recently concluded National Sports Festival—evidence, she said, that grassroots development efforts are paying off.

 

Looking ahead, Aghazu said the AFN’s next major target is the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, expressing confidence that Team Nigeria will deliver even more remarkable performances.

 

“Judging from the outstanding showing here in Riyadh, I believe our athletes will amaze the nation positively in Glasgow,” she emphasized.

 

With a committed leadership, strengthened grassroots programs, and a wave of rising young talents, Aghazu believes Nigerian athletics is entering a new era of sustained success.